I am sure you have all heard the phrase, “In God’s Time.”

When I hear that phrase, I think about “Let Go and Let God. Or I think about, “Jesus Take the Wheel”. The phrase “In God’s Time.”, specifically makes me think about not being in control. That’s the point. God’s got this.

I FULLY BELIEVE THAT! 

I also fully believe the phrase “In God’s time.”, does not necessarily only mean, do not take any action. Yes, sometimes surrender means: Do not take any action. Other times:

WE ABSOLUTELY NEED TO TAKE ACTION! 

The key to these inactions or actions is understanding the outcomes of our choices are in God’s hands. But there is something that occurs way before taking an inaction or an action. That is: Taking God’s direction in the first place. 

This is where discernment is necessary.  

Not sure? Pray.
Not sure? Wait.
Not sure? Ask.
Not sure? Confide in others.
Still not sure? Repeat!

Sometimes “In God’s time” means waiting. Sometimes it means moving. Discernment is knowing the difference. When I see women whom God has clearly gifted, called, and empowered to lead, I believe this is one of those moments when the Church should move.

God CLEARLY uses women as leaders. Scripture CLEARLY shows He does. Deborah, Huldah, Priscilla, Phoebe, Junia, and others demonstrate that God entrusted women with significant influence and ministry. I could and WILL GO ON! 

God uses women.

He used Deborah to lead Israel.
He used Huldah to speak His word.
He used Priscilla to teach.
He used Phoebe to serve the church.
He used Junia to advance the Gospel.

Yet despite these examples, many churches continue to place restrictions on women in leadership.

The clearest Scriptural examples are:

Judges 4:4-5 NIV

Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading^[a] Israel at that time. ⁵ She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided.

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Recently, The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) voted on what they call the “Truth and Unity Amendment”  The amendment specifically states that SBC churches may not act “to affirm, appoint or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer”. The vote passed. 

SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME HOW THIS IS TRUTH?
SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME HOW THIS IS UNITY?

This vote occurred based on specific New Testament passages such as. 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 which places limits on certain church leadership roles. I believe that Paul is speaking in context in these verses that are specific to the church at that time. This discipline does NOT universally apply to all women at all times.  

I struggle to see how excluding women whom God has gifted and called promotes either truth or unity.

The question has never been whether God can use women. Scripture already answered that.

Jesus clearly demonstrates:

OBEDIENCE is for all.
FAITH is for all.
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT is for all.
THE GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT are for all.
THE GREAT COMMISSION is for all.

So what time is it?

It’s time to speak.
It’s time to stand.
It’s time to encourage.
It’s time to equip.
It’s time to remove barriers that God never placed.
It’s time to recognize the gifts God has already given.
It’s time to show the world Jesus.

Women can lead.
Women do lead.

And wherever God calls, may His people be willing to follow.

It’s time to show the world what Jesus looks like when gifts are recognized, faith is encouraged, and every believer is empowered to serve.

For years we have said, “In God’s time.”

I believe God’s people have seen His work through women for centuries.

We have seen His calling.
We have seen His gifts.
We have seen His fruit.

So what time is it?

IT’S TIME.